Clamping device



Nov. 1, 1927. 1 1,647,963

w. s. LEWIS CLAMPING DEVICE Filed Aug. 6, 1925 INVENTOR ATTORNEY.

Patented Nov. 1, 1927.

UNITED STATES wILBUn s. LEWIS, or CLEVELAND, OHIO.

CLAMIEING DEVICE.

Application filed August 6, 1925. Serial No. 48,591.

This invention relates to clamping devices, and more particularly to the type. in which a plurality of pivotal elements are formed and related to provide an interior clamping surface, the area of which can be varied by relative movement of the elements.

An object of this invention is to provide a clamp of the above character in which the elements can be locked in any position of their relative movement when associated in a clamping relation. s

A further object of my invention is to provide a clamp device of the character described in which the elements can be readily adjusted so as to quickly apply or remove it from an article. Another object of my invention is to provide a simple unitary clamping device in which pivoted elements can be readily moved, relatively, so that they will not become accidentally displaced when applied.

These and other objects, and the invention itself will appear in the following description, and in the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a clamping device embodying my invention and applied to an end of a tube used in permanent waving processes; Fig. 2 is a plan view of the clamp with the elements in locked relation; Fig. 3 is aplan view of two clamp elements in closed position and the lock element disengaged therefrom; Fig. i is a plan view of the clamp with the elements all separated; Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the clamp with the elements in locked relation; Figs. 6, 7 and 8 are individual plan views of the three elements comprising the clamp and lock.

My invention can be used for clamping various articles, and for purposes of illustration, l have shown it applied to one end of a tube 10, which 18 formed of paper and employed with permanent waving processes to enclose a strand of hair and the hair treating solution applied thereto during the heating operation. The clamp is applied to secure and seal an open end of the tube annularly against a strand of hair, in close proximity to the scalp, so as to prevent the hot solution from escaping and burning the scalp. The quickness with which my clamp can be applied and removed, and the positive locking features, make it especially desirable for the purpose just set forth.

The clamp device, which forms the subject of this invention, consists of three elements 11, 12 and 13 which are superimposed and substantially are segmental in outline form, the exterior I edges 9 being'of semi-circular shape as a matter of illustration. The inner edges of the elements, intermediate the edges 9, extend in a plane complementary to the outer edges in outline form, and are semi-circular at the central portions 15 thereof. The

curved inner edge portions 15 of the ele ments 11 and 12 are arranged in opposed relation, so that as the free ends of such ele ments are moved'toward each other, in over lapping relation, they will form an interior, annular clamping surface. Relative movement of the elements 11 and 12will vary the area of the interior clamping surface so that they can be adjusted to engage various diameters of articles.

The clamping elements 11 and 12 are-each provided with arcuately and similarly arranged corrugations 16 and 17 respectively, and the same are preferably formed by a stamping process. The depending corrugations of the element 12 will project within the depressed corrugations of the element 11 when such elements overlap to permit such engagement. Such a connection of the corrugated portions of the clamp elements will retain them normally in a relatively stationary relation, and until pressure is exerted sufficient to overcome the same. In this manner the clamp elements 11 and 12 will be normally retained together when overlapping to prevent relative pivotal movement.

The element 13 is plain on both sides and is arranged so that it can be swung into the same plane with the element 11 to lock the I clamp elements together. The member 13 is manipulated after the clamp elements are positioned in a clamping relation upon an article.

The element 11 is provided with an extension 22 having one side 28 thereof bent back in a parallel spaced relation with the main portion thereof. The element 13 is provided with an extension 24 which is located there with in a position corresponding to the extension on the element 11. The extension 24 is adapted to slide snugly between the ex tension 22 and the bent over portion thereof,

when the locking element is swung to align with the clamp element 11. As the element 12 is positioned between the elements 11 and 13, when arranged in locked clamping relation, it is impossible to spring the. elements so that they can be removed from locked relation. After the clamp has been applied and the lock element has been positioned therewith, it is necessary to remove the locking element from the extension portion 23 before the clamp elements can be released.

The extension 22 of the clamp element 11 serves as a finger grip for swinging the element upon the pivot. The element 12 is provided with an extension 20 having one end 21 bent therefrom to provide a finger grip for swinging the element upon its pivot.

It will be seen that I have provided a simple, light structure which is unitary and can bereadily applied and locked, or removed from articles of varying sizes.

Various changes can be made in the details of the structure illustrated and described, without departing from the spirit of my invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Wiat I claim is:

1. In a clamping device, the combination of threerelatively movable plates pivotally connected-together, two of said plates being provided with frictional means to adjustabl connect their free ends together, the third of said plates adapted to frictionally engage one of the other plates for clamping all of the plates together, the clamping position of said third plate being dependant upon the adjusted connected position of said other plates.

2. In a clamping device, the combination of three relatively movable plates pivotally connected together, cooperating frictional means for two of said plates adapted to adj ustably connect their free ends together, one of said two coznn cted plate: having a resilient projection adapted to frietionally engage the third plate for clamping all of the plates together.

3. A clamping device of the class described comprising three relative movable plates pivoted together at an end of each plate, two of the plates adapted to be frictionally adjustably interconnected at their free ends, the third plate being adapted to clamp all of the plates together, the clamping position of the third plate being dependent npon the adjusted position of the other plates.

In testimony whereof, I hereunto afiix my signature.

, lVI-LBUR S. LElVISi 

